Howdy all. Well just got my 1990 Zilla and had a quick question or two.

When I lift on the rear grab bar there is some slack before the rear end actually lifts. After looking at the swingarm and linkage I dont see any movement in the bushings. Maybe a small amount on the right side at the very outside swingarm bushing but not enough to cause what I am feeling. Is this normal? I would say that I can lift approx 1-1.5 inches before the rear end comes up.

Next - I am going to replace the sprockets and chain soon. So any recommendations on whether to stay stock gears or change? To go along with this it currently has 22" tires on it. I have been told to stay with that size for dirt and mx riding while going back to the 20" for sand paddles. Again any recommendations?

I know that there is not a "perfect" setup. My riding will consist of some trail and fun riding and then a small amount of mx. Thanks to all who respond.

*edit* I am sorry if these questions have been asked before. I did do some searching and thanks for all of the other info I have gathered.

1990 LT500RL
Stock - soon to be freshened up
FMF Gold Series pipe with FMF Power Core silencer

 

There is no such thing as a stupid question. The suspension problem is do to a bad shock. Lift the back end again but this time look at the shock stem. Mine does the same thing. A leaky shock and a lack of shock oil will do that. About the sproket...you're right, there is no correct answer. When I bought mine, it had 22" tires and the front sproket had +1 tooth. it made it way too fast!!! Way too fast for trail riding...but you have to set it up for you type of riding!

 

your upper or lower shock bushing could be wore too.

 

Welcome Hollywood,
If I were you, I would buy SideWinder chain and sprockets. They are the strongest out there, and with the LT500, they will be worth it. A 20" sand tire works fine, but with the power that the LT500 has, you could run a 22" if you wanted to and get some extra ground clearance.

 

Careful SuperKev.... Only if they are Steel sprockets!!!! I bought an hardened alum sidewinder and it lasted 4 rides...
I buy cheap-o's from Rocky Mtn ATV (Primary drive I think is the brand) They don't cost much, they are steel and wear great... plust I can afford to have multiple gearing options for the $$$$ saved from buying a foo foo brand..

Just my $.02

 

Good point Duneaddict. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
Goes to show that you are ever learning when on these forums. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Thanks for all the info everyone. I am learning fast, now if I only had the money to catch up with my learning, lol. I will check my shock and the shock bushings.

Also does the Zilla respond better to a heavy load or a light one? What I am saying is that does it respond better to a higher gear which puts a heavier load on the motor or does it respond better to a lower gear, thus letting it rpm faster? I have heard that most of the power is actually in the mid range unless it has been built and piped for top end.

 

I have to agree with you on this one, the Primary Drive brand are great, and they will only set you back about $7 for a front and $13 for the rear. They last forever and as was stated before, for that price you can buy $100 worth of sprockets and be set for any situation that may arise.

 

Thanks for the help everyone. Rocky Mountain ATV is a great site. Finding lots of info there. One other thing that I have been looking for but cant find is a service manual that isnt $50. Does anyone know of one for cheaper or have one to sell?

 

Ok checked the shock and shock bushings. The shock is working correctly and there is no play or movement in it or the bushings, it seems like it is strictly moving in the swingarm area but I can not find anything visually moving, just the normal pivot points. Now I am stumped. Guess I'll change out the swingarm bushings just to be sure and so that I know that they are new.